Great training session at North London Club 19th Jan
Great training session at North London Club 19th Jan Read More »
Karate News
Tribute to Sensei John Morgan 7th Dan (1938-2024)
It is with great sadness that SHOTO announces that Sensei John Morgan passed away on 15th December 2024. We offer our deepest condolences to Sensei’s family and friends at this very difficult time. Sensei Morgan (1938-2024) started his karate training in 1972 under the renowned karate master Enoede Sensei in the famous Marshall Street baths in
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Congratulations Chris Curtis & Graham Zabel for achieving 1st Dan
We have great pleasure in announcing that at the SHOTO grading event held on Saturday 19th October, Chris Curtis and Graham Zabel both successfully passed their Shodan gradings, before an extensive and no doubt daunting panel of SHOTO seniors headed up by Sensei Blain and Sensei Kilcullen. Congratulations to both Chris and Graham and also to
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Shoto Open day 14th September 2024
On the 14th September, Shoto held an open day for all grades at our Sawbridgeworth club. It was a great day with the opportunity to learn from Shoto’s senior instructors, with two hours of Kumite and two hours of Kata instruction. The day was finished off with a social event over food and drinks in
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Congratulations to Dermot Lynch on achieving Yondan (4th Dan)!
SHOTO is very pleased to announce that Dermot Lynch has been awarded his Yondan (4th level black belt). Dermot is Club Secretary at North London Dojo and also Licensing Officer for SHOTO. He was very supportive to Sensei Randall, who used to refer to him as “Mr Shoto”. Congratulations Dermot. Oss!
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Congratulations Theodora Welch on a successful Shodan Grading
Theodora Welch passed her Shodan grading at the Sawbridgeworth Dojo on 1st May 2024. The grading panel was led by Sensei Tony Kilcullen aided by Senseis Steve Johnson, Gareth Waldram and Nick Nicholls.Theodora has a strong family lineage with both parents holding blackbelts (Robin Welch 6th Dan and Suzanne Welch 2nd Dan) Early nerves during
Congratulations Theodora Welch on a successful Shodan Grading Read More »
Brown and black belt course – 27th April 2024
On 27th April 2024 Shoto held a brown and black belt course at our Sawbridgeworth Dojo. It was a great day, both for training and to socialise afterwards. After a good warmup and Kihon session, we split into grade groups for 2 hours of Kumite instruction and then, after a short break for lunch, two hours
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Congratulations to Bill Hart on completing the SHOTO Instructor assessment
Many congratulations to Bill Hart who passed his instructor’s assessment on 21st April 2024. Bill’s lesson was well tailored to all the grades in attendance and enjoyed by all. SHOTO’s Instructor Programme, ensures 1st, 2nd and 3rd Dan Instructors are persons who have not only passed the relevant gradings, but have been assessed as being
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Congratulations to Hanshi John Blain on being awarded the grade of Kyudan (9th Dan) on 31/03/2024
It is Shoto’s very great honour to announce the promotion of Hanshi John Blain to 9th Dan. A truly rare moment, with this grade so infrequently awarded. Hanshi John Blain began karate training in 1971 at a small club in Hertfordshire. Shortly after its closure, he saw an advert in a newsagent’s window for a
28th October 2023 – Laurence Wilson promoted to 3rd Dan
Congratulations to Laurence Wilson from Sawbridgeworth dojo on successfully passing his 3rd Dan grading on 28th October 2023! Laurence had obviously done a huge amount of preparation in advance of his 5 hour grading and SHOTO are delighted to award him with his grade. The grading panel consisted of: Sensei Tony Kilcullen (8th Dan), Sensei
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